Kaiser Family Foundation/Harvard University National Survey of Americans’ Views on Consumer Protection in Managed Care

Kaiser/Harvard National Survey of Americans’ Views On Consumer Protection In Managed Care

33. Earlier in this interview, you said you oppose a law requiring health plans to…(Insert–Read And Rotate). Would you still be opposed if health plans could decide for themselves whether to follow this practice, rather than be required by law? (Record Response) You also said you oppose a law requiring health plans to…(Insert Next Item) Would you still be opposed if health plans could decide for themselves whether to follow this practice, rather than be required by law?

34. Some people think new laws are needed to stop health plans from using “gag rules” that keep doctors from talking with patients about how a plan’s rules could affect their treatment. Others think health plans should be able to set these kind of rules without government interference. Which comes closer to your view?

57 Need new laws 37 Plans should be able to set rules 6 Don’t know 100 &nbsp

35. Some people favor establishing an independent regulatory agency to make sure people are treated fairly and get the care they need from their health plans, similar to the S-E-C, which oversees financial trading, and the F-A-A, which oversees airline safety. Others say setting up a new regulatory agency would expand government’s role in health care too much and increase health care costs for everyone. Which comes closer to your view?

36. Now, I have a few more questions about your own health insurance plan and how it works… Some plans charge less if you choose your doctor from a list, but make you pay more if you go to a doctor not on the list. Does your plan work this way, or not?

“Total” Based on all who are insured; n=994”18-64” Based on all under 65 who are insured; n=218

Total 18-64 &nbsp 54 62 Yes 39 32 No 7 6 Don’t know 100 100 &nbsp

37. Some plans require you to sign up with a specific primary care doctor or group of doctors who provide all your routine health care. Does your plan work this way, or not?

“Total” Based on all who are insured; n=994”18-64” Based on all under 65 who are insured; n=218

Total 18-64 &nbsp 50 55 Yes 47 43 No 3 2 Don’t know 100 100 &nbsp

38. Some plans require you to have approval or a referral before they will pay for any of your costs for visiting a doctor who is not in the plan. Does your plan work this way, or not?

“Total” Based on all who are insured; n=994”18-64” Based on all under 65 who are insured; n=218

Total 18-64 &nbsp 48 54 Yes 44 39 No 8 7 Don’t know 100 100 &nbsp

39. Some plans require you to have a referral by a primary care doctor before you can see a medical specialist. Does your plan work this way, or not?

“Total” Based on all who are insured; n=994”18-64” Based on all under 64 who are insured; n=218

Total 18-64 &nbsp 52 58 Yes 40 35 No 8 7 Don’t know 100 100 &nbsp

40. Are you Now covered by a private health insurance plan through your employer or someone else’s employer, or don’t you have health coverage through an employer?